A new ruling states that non-tribal individuals are no longer permitted to contest elections for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, impacting the political landscape of the region.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his wife visited residents in a Garo Hills town following incidents of arson and vandalism, with the CM stating, "I am not afraid."
Violence in India's Meghalaya state has resulted in two deaths, the postponement of local elections, and an extended curfew in the Garo Hills district, with internet services also suspended.
Two people have died and a curfew has been imposed in Meghalaya's Garo Hills following tensions and violence triggered by the council elections in the region.
Following unrest, the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council in Meghalaya, India, amended its rules to require Scheduled Tribe certificates for contesting council elections, a decision awaiting government approval.
Meghalaya's Chief Minister has postponed the Garo Hills council elections, originally scheduled for April 10, due to ongoing violence, protests, and the imposition of curfews in the region.
A curfew has been imposed and mobile internet services suspended in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district following an outbreak of violence, which has now resulted in two deaths after police opened fire to disperse an unlawful assembly during night-curfew hours.
The curfew in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills was relaxed for five hours on March 12 to allow residents to procure essential commodities, while security forces maintained vigilance in sensitive areas.
The Meghalaya board has postponed two Class 12 examinations in the violence-affected West Garo Hills district, while exams in other districts will proceed as scheduled.
Army columns were deployed in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills after two people died in security forces' firing during violent clashes over GHADC election nominations, leading to a curfew.